Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown Faces Potential Loss of Medicare Funding Following Medication Error

According to media reports, federal officials have warned Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown that it could lose Medicare funding following a medication error at the Nashville hospital.
Four joint replacement patients were mistakenly given potassium phosphate instead of the anesthetic medication mepivacaine in August, resulting in adverse health reactions.
Hospital officials say the error was identified August 14 and immediately reported to state regulators.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services later notified the hospital that it was not in compliance with Medicare standards and required an acceptable corrective action plan.
State regulators reportedly rejected three safety improvement plans submitted by the hospital in August.
Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown said September 11 that it continues working with state and federal regulators to refine its corrective action plans and remains open, fully operational and eligible for Medicare reimbursement.
If the hospital does not meet federal requirements, its participation in the Medicare program could be terminated September 18.
The hospital would have the ability to appeal the decision.